Small wins abroad
A sandwich, a library card, a bus ride
Travel is teaching me to celebrate small wins.
In the comfort zone of home, things feel more accessible. I tend to do a lot in a day within the confines of the town I know like the back of my hand. I’ll get breakfast with a friend, go to work, join a yoga class, stop at the post office, go for an evening swim, etc. All the while seeing people I know and making friends.
When abroad alone, these same small tasks can require a great deal of courage.
My first small win here on Mallorca was ordering a sandwich at the corner store a few days into my stay. I stood glued to my Google Translate in the back of the shop, rehearsing how I'd ask if they sell sandwiches.
I had yet to order anything in spanish. Though I know some fundamentals of the language, I don’t speak it confidently when on my feet and was daunted by the thought of ordering food and messing up.
I was met with the angel energy of Maria, a sweet girl around my age working behind the counter. I asked if she’d make me her favorite sandwich. Moments later, she’d whipped up what was undoubtedly the world’s best bocadillo con jamón serrano y queso.
A soft and flakey baguette stuffed with spanish sea-salted ham, fresh cheese, savory olives and sharp green peppers bursting with flavor.
This simple sandwich is now one of my daily joys– I eat it on my terrace, on a hike, while working in the ceramic shop or at the cove after a swim. I grab one for lunch each day, equally driven by my growling stomach and the desire to catch up with Maria.
A couple of weeks ago, I was at a show down the road when I saw Maria there with her friends. “You are the BEST CLIENTE!” she exclaimed as she pranced over to give me a hug.
Each time we see each other, I make earnest attempts to speak Spanish while Maria does her best to speak english. There’s something deeply heartfelt about making an effort to learn someone’s language, and I’m recognizing (even when my grammar is horrendous) how much it means when I try.
I now also comfortably order my drinks at De Moniö, a rustic cafe stacked with natural wines and fresh tapas. I sit among its round stucco walls in the evenings to read my book and chat with the bubbly owner. When in a new setting, a third place is a total game changer– a spot where one can decompress and see familiar faces, interacting with the community in a restful way.
Public transportation
Another win for me has been figuring out and utilizing the bus system. Considering I have no other means to get around the island, I’ve been forced to figure it out. It’s been awesome.
Sure, I’ve missed a couple of buses. Last week, I sprinted through the entire station to catch my connecting bus home from the city, only to watch it drive away. On my day off, I stopped to order my sandwich and missed my ride to the beach by two minutes. Priorities!
The night I arrived, my plane landed in Palma later than expected. Helpless and without euros, I nearly missed the last bus out to Deià. Some sweet Canadian girls paid my fare out to the village, saving me from a concrete sleepover in the Estació Intermodal.
There’s something to be said about the nostalgic feeling of staring out the window of a moving vehicle. The most intense version of this is certainly a plane, where I like to rethink my life and have a good cry. The bus is a close second. Massive clear glass overlooks the blue, sailboat-dotted coastline as I jam to my favorite music, get hype for the day's adventure or meet a new friend in the next seat over.
“Is this what people feel like when they snort cocaine?” I scribbled in my journal while on the bus this week. “All they need to do instead is head to the coast of Spain alone and wait for the euphoria of beauty and freedom and the unknown to kick in like the world’s best drug.” These are my bus window thoughts.
Yesterday, I met Stephen on my bus out of Soller. Stephen is a tattoo artist, a dad, a fellow Texan (though he’s lived in Mallorca for years), and a friend of Gwen Stefani’s, to name a few. He assured me that he “has guys that are faster than the cops,” and to call him if I end up in a tricky situation. He’ll also be giving me a free tattoo, so I’m taking idea submissions.
Library cards and solo meals
I recently scored a library card. This was a win and a wonderful test of my spanish, considering the librarian speaks no english and the paperwork was entirely in Catalan (a native language of Eastern Spain). The gracious woman was patient with me as we communicated and I eagerly perused their small shelf of english literature.
If you know me, you know how much I cherish my solo adventures. Time spent in my own company allows me to go introspectively, absorb my surroundings and get comfortable in my own head. That being said, I’ve never really eaten at a restaurant by myself.
That changed this week. On my day off, I explored Port d'Alcúdia on the north shore. After strolling around and laying on the beach, my hunger lured me to a grill by the water. The dining experience was possibly the best I’ve ever had. I sipped on cold white wine, savored heavenly Paella and enjoyed the vast view before me.
Here’s to many more small wins abroad and at home!
With love from Mallorca <3
You make me want to just go jump on a bus . Also I am inspired to try a few things here at home and have some “at home wins!”
Keep writing please
also that film pic is absolutely gorg it better go on the insta